Estes Park suspect arrested for manslaughter

Charges stem from December shooting death of local teen

By John Cordsen

Trail-Gazette

Posted:
02/12/2013 11:47:52 AM MST

Following a lengthy investigation, an Estes Park man is facing three felony charges, including manslaughter, stemming from the Dec. 12, 2012 shooting death of 16-year-old Estes Park youth. Thomas Decker Dodge, 20, was arrested Feb. 12, by Estes Park police arrested following an investigation of the death of 16-year-old Miranda Ann Casey of Estes Park. Casey died Dec. 12 at Dodge's residence, at 140 Big Horn Dr. in Estes Park. Estes Park police were assisted by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

"No investigation is identical and we take the time needed to thoroughly consider every piece of information in all of our investigations," said Eric Rose, commander with the Estes Park Police Department. "Given the complexity of this case, and in consideration of everyone involved, it's our responsibility to see this standard practice through."

Estes Park police submitted their findings to the Larimer County District Attorney's office, which issued the arrest warrant.

Dodge is charged with manslaughter (felony 4), contributing to the delinquency of a minor (felony 4) and menacing (felony 5). The charges are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The suspect was transported to the Larimer County Detention Center in Fort Collins where he is held on $75,000 bond. The District Attorney for the Eighth Judicial District of Colorado has assumed responsibility for the case.